US3929335A - Electronic exercise aid - Google Patents

Electronic exercise aid Download PDF

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US3929335A
US3929335A US548514A US54851475A US3929335A US 3929335 A US3929335 A US 3929335A US 548514 A US548514 A US 548514A US 54851475 A US54851475 A US 54851475A US 3929335 A US3929335 A US 3929335A
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movement
timer
output
patient
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Franklin S Malick
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
    • G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0274—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the upper limbs
    • A61H1/0277—Elbow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/10—Positions
    • A63B2220/16—Angular positions

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT Apparatus for motivating a patient, in need of occupational therapy, to exercise his muscles.
  • the invention is characterized in the use of an electrical transducer connected to a harness strapped to a joint of a patient such that as long as the patient induces back and forth joint movement, the transducer will generate an electrical signal which is applied to circuitry which indicates the amount of travel of the joint in both directions and will activate a signal if the correct amount of joint movement does not occur in the proper direction over a first time interval. If the failure to effect the desired movement persists for a second time interval, an electrical motivating appliance, such as a television receiver viewed by the patient, is deactivated.
  • a new and improved therapeutic motivation apparatus wherein the amount and direction of movement of a joint being exercised are indicated as well as whether the amount and direction of movement from a central, null position satisfy predetermined requirements.
  • the required amount of movement in either direction can be adjusted by means of potentiometers and the attainment of this required movement is indicated by means of two light-emitting diodes, although other indicating devices could be used equally as well.
  • a first timer When the device is turned ON, a first timer is energized. If' the required amount of movement from the central, null position in the correct direction is not achieved during this first time interval, a second timer is energized along with a buzzer which warns the patient that his motivation apparatus will be deactivated if he does not act quickly. At the end of the second time interval, the buzzer and the motivation apparatus such as a television set are deactivated. However, if the patient resumes the exercise and effects the proper amount of movement in the proper direction from the central, null position during the second time interval, the buzzer is deactivated and the motivation apparatus is not deenergized.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic exercise aid of the invention showing the manner in which a potentiometer may be strapped to a joint of a patient;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the motivation apparatusof the invention.
  • a harness strapped for example, to the elbow of a patient; although the harness could be strapped to any joint on any body limb. It comprises a first harness part 12 strapped to the forearm and a second part 14 strapped to the upper part of the arm above the elbow.
  • the two parts 12 and 14 are pivotally connected as at 16, the pivotal connection being adjacent the point of pivotal movement of the elbow.
  • the pivot 16 is connected to a potentiometer 18 such that movement of the wiper element of the potentiometer 18 will be proportional to movement of the forearm about the elbow.
  • the potentiometer 18 is connected through conductor 20 to circuitry, hereinafter described, carried within a console 22.
  • the console 22 has provided on its forward face an OFF-ON switch 24 together with a pilot light 28 which is energized when the power is ON. Also provided on the face of the console 22 is a meter 26 having a pointer 27 which normally assumes a central, null position. As will be seen, the pointer 27 will move to the right or left of the central, null position in an amount proportional to the amount of movement of the forearm about the elbow. A first pair of rheostats or potentiometers is provided having dials 30 and 32 which set the required amount of movement of the hand in either direction from the central, null position.
  • a counter is provided within the console and includes a read-out 38 which indicates the number of full cycles of the forearm back and forth about the pivot point 16 This counter may be reset by depressing a pushbutton 40.
  • Two timers are included within the console, and these are controlled bymeans of potentiometers having dials 42 and 44 which adjust, respectively, a first time period and a second time period as will hereinafter be explained. Assuming that the first time period expires without the proper amount of movement of the joint in one direction, a buzzer 46 or light-emitting diode 48 will be energized to indicate this condition. Either the buzzer 46 or light-emitting diode 48 may be used, depending upon the position of a switch 50 on the console. A final switch 52 is provided on the console for connecting a source of conventional alternating current power to the motivation device circuit. A motivation device such as a television set 54 is connected to the console 22 through a cable56.
  • the operation of the system is such that if a second time period expires after the buzzer 46 or lamp 48 is energized, then the television set 54 or other motivation apparatus will be deenergized. It will be reactivated when the patient makes the required amount of movement in the right direction.
  • the potentiometer 18 is provided with a movable wiper 58 connected to the pivot point 16 of the harness 10 such that its movement on either side of its central or null position will be proportional to the movement of the forearm about the elbow. Opposite ends of the potentiometer are con nected to the positive and negative terminals 60 and 62 of a source of direct current potential, not shown.
  • the movable tap 58 is connected through a resistor 64 and the meter 26, also shown in FIG. 1, to ground. The arrangement is such that as the movable wiper 58 3 moves back and forth, so also will the pointer 27 (FIG. 1) of the meter 26 to indicate the amount of movement on either side of the central, null position of the pivot 16.
  • a voltage divider comprising potentiometers 61 and 66 in series with resistors 68 and 70.
  • the movable taps on potentiometers 61 and 66 are connected to the negative and positive inputs, respectively, of two operational amplifiers 72 and 74.
  • the positive and negative inputs of the operational amplifiers 72 and 74 are connected to the movable wiper 58 on potentiometer 18.
  • operational amplifier 72 will be triggered to produce an output when the wiper 58 moves in one direction from the central, null position by a predetermined amount; while operational amplifier 72 will be triggered to produce an output when the wiper moves in the opposite direction from the central, null position by a predetermined amount.
  • the predetermined amounts by which the wiper brush must move from the central position is determined by the positions of the movable taps on potentiometers 61 and 66 and these, in turn, are controlled by the dials 30 and 32 shown on the console of FIG. 1.
  • the outputs of the operational amplifiers 72 and 74 are applied through resistors 80, 81 and 82, 83 to a flip-flop circuit comprised of two operational amplifiers 84 and 86.
  • the output of operational amplifier 84 is connected through a resistor 88 to the input of amplifier 86 and, similarly, the output of amplifier 86 is connected to the input of amplifier 84 through a resistor 90.
  • operational amplifier 84 is caused to produce an output and the output of amplifier 86 is caused to go to zero. This condition continues until the patient causes amplifier 74 to have an output at which time amplifier 86 is caused to have an output and the output of amplifier 86 is zero.
  • the patient must attain the required extremes of movement alternately to generate the pulses which activate the timers and the counters.
  • one pulse will be produced at the output of amplifier 86, for example, for every cycle of back and forth movement of the hand as shown in FIG. 1.
  • These pulses are applied to a counter 92, the count of which is displayed on read-out 38, also shown in FIG. 1.
  • the pulses at the outputs of operational amplifiers 84 and 86 which occur when amplifiers 72 and 74 are alternately energized, are applied through capacitors 94 and 96 and diodes 98 and 100 to a one-shot multivibrator 102 which produces pulses occurring each time the movable wiper 58 on potentiometer 18 moves alternately through a predetermined distance on either side of center as explained above.
  • the pulses from one-shot multivibrator 102 are applied to initiate the timing period of a first timer 104 whose time interval can be adjusted by means of a potentiometer 106 connected to the dial 42 on the console of FIG. 1.
  • the timer 104 is such that each time a pulse is received before the end of its preset time interval T the timer will be reset. However, if a pulse is not received during the time interval T indicating that the hand has not attained the required movement in the opposite direction, then the timer 104 runs to the end of its time period and activates timer 108, the time interval of timer 108 being controlled by potentiometer 110 connected to the dial 44 shown in FIG. 1.
  • a signal is applied through switch 50, also shown in FIG. 1, to either buzzer 46 or the light-emitting diode 48 to indicate to the user that his hand has not made the required movement and that he has time T available to complete the movement. If the user completes the movement in time period T the output of the one-shot multivibrator 102 resets both the timers 104 and 108 and deactivates the buzzer 46 or light-emitting diode 48. At the same time, the motivation apparatus such as the television set 54 will continue to be encrgized. On the other hand, if the exerciser does not complete the movement by the end of the period T then the television set 54 is switched OFF. The user can only switch the television set back ON by again completing the movement so that a pulse is produced at the output of the one-shot multivibrator 102 to initiate the T and T sequences over again.
  • the present invention provides an electronic exercise aid wherein the user, when not properly exercising ajoint, will lose the benefit of some type of enjoyable motivation apparatus.
  • the apparatus of the invention instantly indicates to the patient the amount of movement of the joint as well as whether the exercise is being performed properly prior to deactivation of the motivation apparatus.
  • Apparatus for motivating a patient in need of occupational therapy comprising a hinged device adapted to be operatively associated with ajoint of a patient and having a transducer coupled thereto for producing an electrical signal which quantitatively increases on either side of a central, null position of the hinged device, first and second comparator devices for comparing said electrical signal with a pair of bias signals such that an output will be produced from each comparator device when said electrical signal equals or exceeds an associated bias signal upon movement of the hinged device in either direction from said central, null position, an electrically-operated motivation device, and means for deactivating said motivation device in the absence of an output from either of said comparator devices for a predetermined period of time.
  • transducer comprises a potentiometer having a movable wiper element coupled to said hinged device so as to rotate with the hinged device.
  • said first and second comparator devices comprise operational amplifiers and including light-emitting diodes coupled to the outputs of said operational amplifiers for indicating the correct amount of movement of the hinged device in either direction from a central, null position.
  • the apparatus of claim 3 including a meter connected to said potentiometer for instantaneously indicating the amount of movement of said hinged device about said central, null position.
  • said means for deactivating said motivation device includes a first timer which will produce an output at the presence of an output from either one of said comparator devices over a predetermined time interval, and a second timer coupled to the output of said first timer.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
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Abstract

Apparatus for motivating a patient, in need of occupational therapy, to exercise his muscles. The invention is characterized in the use of an electrical transducer connected to a harness strapped to a joint of a patient such that as long as the patient induces back and forth joint movement, the transducer will generate an electrical signal which is applied to circuitry which indicates the amount of travel of the joint in both directions and will activate a signal if the correct amount of joint movement does not occur in the proper direction over a first time interval. If the failure to effect the desired movement persists for a second time interval, an electrical motivating appliance, such as a television receiver viewed by the patient, is deactivated.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 Malick 1 Dec. 30, 1975 1 ELECTRONIC EXERCISE AID I76] Inventor: Franklin S. Malick, 518 Greenleaf Drive, Monroeville, Pa. 15146 [22] Filed: Feb. 10, 1975 1211 Appl. No.: 548,514
[52] U.S. Cl 272/57 R; 128/25 R; 340/279 [51 Int. Cl. A63B 23/00 [58] Field of Search 272/57 R, DIG. 5, DIG. 6;
Primary ExaminerRichard .I. Aplcy Assistant Examiner.loseph R. Taylor Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Brown, Murray, Flick & Peckham [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for motivating a patient, in need of occupational therapy, to exercise his muscles. The invention is characterized in the use of an electrical transducer connected to a harness strapped to a joint of a patient such that as long as the patient induces back and forth joint movement, the transducer will generate an electrical signal which is applied to circuitry which indicates the amount of travel of the joint in both directions and will activate a signal if the correct amount of joint movement does not occur in the proper direction over a first time interval. If the failure to effect the desired movement persists for a second time interval, an electrical motivating appliance, such as a television receiver viewed by the patient, is deactivated.
8 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Shect1of2 3,929,335
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m9 3 ESE mwwwam mmt m Y Qm WV ELECTRONIC EXERCISE AID BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of occupational therapy, a problem often arises in motivating a patient to exercise his muscles which, in many cases, have been inactive and without exercise for extended periods of time. Occupational therapy is used, for example, in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from strokes, various types of paralysis, and muscular and orthopedic injuries. The exercise of a muscle'after a long period of disuse or because of nerve damage (e.g., quadriplegia), is often difficult, boring and tedious to the patient who in many cases must be constantly reminded to continue the exercise. Various devices have been devised to assist the patient in continuing the exercise, one of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,419,732 wherein electrical switch apparatus is operatively connected to exercising apparatus and is arranged to energize motivation apparatus such as a television set for as long as the exercising apparatus is operated correctly over predetermined time intervals.
A system such as that shown in the foregoing patent, while useful, is not entirely satisfactory and does not completely satisfy the requirements for a therapeutic motivation device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved therapeutic motivation apparatus is provided wherein the amount and direction of movement of a joint being exercised are indicated as well as whether the amount and direction of movement from a central, null position satisfy predetermined requirements. The required amount of movement in either direction can be adjusted by means of potentiometers and the attainment of this required movement is indicated by means of two light-emitting diodes, although other indicating devices could be used equally as well.
When the device is turned ON, a first timer is energized. If' the required amount of movement from the central, null position in the correct direction is not achieved during this first time interval, a second timer is energized along with a buzzer which warns the patient that his motivation apparatus will be deactivated if he does not act quickly. At the end of the second time interval, the buzzer and the motivation apparatus such as a television set are deactivated. However, if the patient resumes the exercise and effects the proper amount of movement in the proper direction from the central, null position during the second time interval, the buzzer is deactivated and the motivation apparatus is not deenergized.
The above and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic exercise aid of the invention showing the manner in which a potentiometer may be strapped to a joint of a patient; and
FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the motivation apparatusof the invention.
With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a harness strapped, for example, to the elbow of a patient; although the harness could be strapped to any joint on any body limb. It comprises a first harness part 12 strapped to the forearm and a second part 14 strapped to the upper part of the arm above the elbow. The two parts 12 and 14 are pivotally connected as at 16, the pivotal connection being adjacent the point of pivotal movement of the elbow. The pivot 16, in turn, is connected to a potentiometer 18 such that movement of the wiper element of the potentiometer 18 will be proportional to movement of the forearm about the elbow. The potentiometer 18 is connected through conductor 20 to circuitry, hereinafter described, carried within a console 22.
The console 22 has provided on its forward face an OFF-ON switch 24 together with a pilot light 28 which is energized when the power is ON. Also provided on the face of the console 22 is a meter 26 having a pointer 27 which normally assumes a central, null position. As will be seen, the pointer 27 will move to the right or left of the central, null position in an amount proportional to the amount of movement of the forearm about the elbow. A first pair of rheostats or potentiometers is provided having dials 30 and 32 which set the required amount of movement of the hand in either direction from the central, null position. As will be seen, when the required amount of movement in the right direction is achieved, light-emitting diode 34 will be energized and light-emitting diode 36 will be deenergized. When the required amount of movement in the opposite direction is effected, light-emitting diode 36 will be energized and light-emitting diode 34 will be deenergized. A counter is provided within the console and includes a read-out 38 which indicates the number of full cycles of the forearm back and forth about the pivot point 16 This counter may be reset by depressing a pushbutton 40.
Two timers are included within the console, and these are controlled bymeans of potentiometers having dials 42 and 44 which adjust, respectively, a first time period and a second time period as will hereinafter be explained. Assuming that the first time period expires without the proper amount of movement of the joint in one direction, a buzzer 46 or light-emitting diode 48 will be energized to indicate this condition. Either the buzzer 46 or light-emitting diode 48 may be used, depending upon the position of a switch 50 on the console. A final switch 52 is provided on the console for connecting a source of conventional alternating current power to the motivation device circuit. A motivation device such as a television set 54 is connected to the console 22 through a cable56.
As was explained above, the operation of the system is such that if a second time period expires after the buzzer 46 or lamp 48 is energized, then the television set 54 or other motivation apparatus will be deenergized. It will be reactivated when the patient makes the required amount of movement in the right direction.
The invention will be better understood by reference to the circuit diagram of FIG. 2. The potentiometer 18 is provided with a movable wiper 58 connected to the pivot point 16 of the harness 10 such that its movement on either side of its central or null position will be proportional to the movement of the forearm about the elbow. Opposite ends of the potentiometer are con nected to the positive and negative terminals 60 and 62 of a source of direct current potential, not shown. The movable tap 58 is connected through a resistor 64 and the meter 26, also shown in FIG. 1, to ground. The arrangement is such that as the movable wiper 58 3 moves back and forth, so also will the pointer 27 (FIG. 1) of the meter 26 to indicate the amount of movement on either side of the central, null position of the pivot 16.
Also connected between the terminals 60 and 62 is a voltage divider comprising potentiometers 61 and 66 in series with resistors 68 and 70. The movable taps on potentiometers 61 and 66 are connected to the negative and positive inputs, respectively, of two operational amplifiers 72 and 74. The positive and negative inputs of the operational amplifiers 72 and 74, in turn, are connected to the movable wiper 58 on potentiometer 18. With this arrangement, operational amplifier 72 will be triggered to produce an output when the wiper 58 moves in one direction from the central, null position by a predetermined amount; while operational amplifier 72 will be triggered to produce an output when the wiper moves in the opposite direction from the central, null position by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amounts by which the wiper brush must move from the central position is determined by the positions of the movable taps on potentiometers 61 and 66 and these, in turn, are controlled by the dials 30 and 32 shown on the console of FIG. 1.
The outputs of the operational amplifiers 72 and 74 are applied through resistors 80, 81 and 82, 83 to a flip-flop circuit comprised of two operational amplifiers 84 and 86. The output of operational amplifier 84 is connected through a resistor 88 to the input of amplifier 86 and, similarly, the output of amplifier 86 is connected to the input of amplifier 84 through a resistor 90. When an output is produced from amplifier 72, operational amplifier 84 is caused to produce an output and the output of amplifier 86 is caused to go to zero. This condition continues until the patient causes amplifier 74 to have an output at which time amplifier 86 is caused to have an output and the output of amplifier 86 is zero. Thus, the patient must attain the required extremes of movement alternately to generate the pulses which activate the timers and the counters. With this arrangement also, one pulse will be produced at the output of amplifier 86, for example, for every cycle of back and forth movement of the hand as shown in FIG. 1. These pulses, in turn, are applied to a counter 92, the count of which is displayed on read-out 38, also shown in FIG. 1.
When an output is produced from operational amplifier 84, the light-emitting diode 34 is energized through voltage dropping resistor 85 and protective diode 89; and whenever an output is produced from operational amplifier 86, the light-emitting diode 36 is energized through voltage dropping resistor 87 and protective diode 91, the two diodes 34 and 36 also being shown on the console of FIG. 1. The change in state of these diodes, therefore, indicates to the user whether or not the correct amount of back and forth movement has been achieved.
At the same time, the pulses at the outputs of operational amplifiers 84 and 86, which occur when amplifiers 72 and 74 are alternately energized, are applied through capacitors 94 and 96 and diodes 98 and 100 to a one-shot multivibrator 102 which produces pulses occurring each time the movable wiper 58 on potentiometer 18 moves alternately through a predetermined distance on either side of center as explained above. The pulses from one-shot multivibrator 102, in turn, are applied to initiate the timing period of a first timer 104 whose time interval can be adjusted by means of a potentiometer 106 connected to the dial 42 on the console of FIG. 1. The timer 104 is such that each time a pulse is received before the end of its preset time interval T the timer will be reset. However, if a pulse is not received during the time interval T indicating that the hand has not attained the required movement in the opposite direction, then the timer 104 runs to the end of its time period and activates timer 108, the time interval of timer 108 being controlled by potentiometer 110 connected to the dial 44 shown in FIG. 1.
At the same time that the second timer 108 is activated, a signal is applied through switch 50, also shown in FIG. 1, to either buzzer 46 or the light-emitting diode 48 to indicate to the user that his hand has not made the required movement and that he has time T available to complete the movement. If the user completes the movement in time period T the output of the one-shot multivibrator 102 resets both the timers 104 and 108 and deactivates the buzzer 46 or light-emitting diode 48. At the same time, the motivation apparatus such as the television set 54 will continue to be encrgized. On the other hand, if the exerciser does not complete the movement by the end of the period T then the television set 54 is switched OFF. The user can only switch the television set back ON by again completing the movement so that a pulse is produced at the output of the one-shot multivibrator 102 to initiate the T and T sequences over again.
It can be seen, therefore, that the present invention provides an electronic exercise aid wherein the user, when not properly exercising ajoint, will lose the benefit of some type of enjoyable motivation apparatus. At the same time, the apparatus of the invention instantly indicates to the patient the amount of movement of the joint as well as whether the exercise is being performed properly prior to deactivation of the motivation apparatus.
Although the invention has been shown in connection with a certain specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
1 claim as my invention:
1. Apparatus for motivating a patient in need of occupational therapy comprising a hinged device adapted to be operatively associated with ajoint of a patient and having a transducer coupled thereto for producing an electrical signal which quantitatively increases on either side of a central, null position of the hinged device, first and second comparator devices for comparing said electrical signal with a pair of bias signals such that an output will be produced from each comparator device when said electrical signal equals or exceeds an associated bias signal upon movement of the hinged device in either direction from said central, null position, an electrically-operated motivation device, and means for deactivating said motivation device in the absence of an output from either of said comparator devices for a predetermined period of time.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transducer comprises a potentiometer having a movable wiper element coupled to said hinged device so as to rotate with the hinged device.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second comparator devices comprise operational amplifiers and including light-emitting diodes coupled to the outputs of said operational amplifiers for indicating the correct amount of movement of the hinged device in either direction from a central, null position.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 including a meter connected to said potentiometer for instantaneously indicating the amount of movement of said hinged device about said central, null position.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for deactivating said motivation device includes a first timer which will produce an output at the presence of an output from either one of said comparator devices over a predetermined time interval, and a second timer coupled to the output of said first timer.
said second time period.

Claims (8)

1. Apparatus for motivating a patient in need of occupational therapy comprising a hinged device adapted to be operatively associated with a joint of a patient and having a transducer coupled thereto for producing an electrical signal which quantitatively increases on either side of a central, null position of the hinged device, first and second comparator devices for comparing said electrical signal with a pair of bias signals such that an output will be produced from each comparator device when said electrical signal equals or exceeds an associated bias signal upon movement of the hinged device in either direction from said central, null position, an electrically-operated motivation device, and means for deactivating said motivation device in the absence of an output from either of said comparator devices for a predetermined period of time.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transducer comprises a potentiometer having a movable wiper element coupled to said hinged device so as to rotate with the hinged device.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second comparator devices comprise operational amplifiers and including light-emitting diodes coupled to the outputs of said operational amplifiers for indicating the correct amount of movement of the hinged device in either direction from a central, null position.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 including a meter connected to said potentiometer for instantaneously indicating the amount of movement of said hinged device about said central, null position.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for deactivating said motivation device includes a first timer which will produce an output at the presence of an output from either one of said comparator devices over a predetermined time interval, and a second timer coupled to the output of said first timer.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the time period of said second timer is initiated after the time period of the first timer expires, and including means for deactivating said motivation device aT the expiration of the time period of said second timer.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 including means for selectively adjusting the time periods of both said first and second timers.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 including means for signaling expiration of the first time period and the start of said second time period.
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Cited By (52)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4012732A (en) * 1976-03-19 1977-03-15 Herrick Kennan C Security device
US4112926A (en) * 1976-12-08 1978-09-12 The Children's Memorial Hospital Method and apparatus for measuring and treating hyperactivity in human beings
US4117834A (en) * 1976-12-02 1978-10-03 Mc Partland Richard J Physiological motor activity monitoring apparatus
US4149716A (en) * 1977-06-24 1979-04-17 Scudder James D Bionic apparatus for controlling television games
EP0022002A1 (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-01-07 Alain Barnet Apparatus for kinetic therapy, especially for reeducation treatment
US4321593A (en) * 1980-02-21 1982-03-23 Ho Chi C Television set with supervisory functions of alarming burglary and safe watching distance
US4337049A (en) * 1981-01-09 1982-06-29 Connelly Edward M Method and system for automated training of manual skills
EP0103491A1 (en) * 1982-09-14 1984-03-21 Wright State University Method and apparatus for providing feedback-controlled muscle stimulation
US4457715A (en) * 1975-07-10 1984-07-03 Australasian Training Aids, Pty. Ltd. Rifle training apparatus
US4480830A (en) * 1982-09-14 1984-11-06 Wright State University Method and apparatus for exercising
US4491325A (en) * 1983-01-26 1985-01-01 Thomas Bersheim Game control apparatus
US4538595A (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-09-03 Hajianpour Muhamad A Passive exercising device
US4556214A (en) * 1982-09-14 1985-12-03 Wright State University Method and apparatus for exercising
US4558704A (en) * 1983-12-15 1985-12-17 Wright State University Hand control system
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US4576148A (en) * 1984-02-03 1986-03-18 Sutter Biomedical, Inc. Continuous passive motion hand device
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US4603687A (en) * 1983-08-08 1986-08-05 Greenwood Eugene C Continuous passive motion orthopedic device
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US4630817A (en) * 1983-12-20 1986-12-23 Gym Bee Enterprises, Inc. Recreation apparatus
US4651719A (en) * 1985-01-22 1987-03-24 Danninger Medical Technology, Inc. Continuous passive motion shoulder unit
US4660829A (en) * 1985-07-08 1987-04-28 Whiteneir Paul J Body joint position monitoring system
US4674741A (en) * 1985-08-05 1987-06-23 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Rowing machine with video display
GB2190303A (en) * 1986-05-15 1987-11-18 David Edwin Gillmor Computer game driven by exercise machine
US4764111A (en) * 1985-11-21 1988-08-16 Knierim Rupert W Reminder and enforcer apparatus
US4801921A (en) * 1987-08-24 1989-01-31 Zigenfus Robert W Abdominal muscle firmness alarm
US4842519A (en) * 1987-11-30 1989-06-27 Jeffrey Dworkin Intraoral appliance and method of treating patient
US4844055A (en) * 1985-04-18 1989-07-04 John Rawcliffe Physiotherapy apparatus
US4848152A (en) * 1987-05-04 1989-07-18 Pratt Jr G Andrew Biofeedback lifting monitor
FR2642312A1 (en) * 1989-01-10 1990-08-03 Petitdant Bernard Device enabling a user undergoing rehabilitation to be informed as to his physiological state
US5052375A (en) * 1990-02-21 1991-10-01 John G. Stark Instrumented orthopedic restraining device and method of use
US5209716A (en) * 1991-12-19 1993-05-11 Larry Frydman Resistive exercise device
US5275174A (en) * 1985-10-30 1994-01-04 Cook Jonathan A Repetitive strain injury assessment
US5474088A (en) * 1993-12-09 1995-12-12 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York Device for measuring motion characteristics of a human joint
US5574432A (en) * 1996-01-04 1996-11-12 Mccarthy; Steven R. Apparatus attachable to a shoe for deploying a rescue signal
US5591104A (en) * 1993-01-27 1997-01-07 Life Fitness Physical exercise video system
US5614887A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-03-25 Buchbinder; Dale Patient monitoring system and method thereof
EP0800149A2 (en) * 1990-03-22 1997-10-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Oh-Yoh Keisoku Kenkyusho A movement detection system
US5713370A (en) * 1985-10-30 1998-02-03 Cook; Jonathan Repetitive strain injury assessment
US5894271A (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-04-13 Namisniak; Lee Private alert system for muscle flexing regimen
WO1999042967A1 (en) * 1995-03-02 1999-08-26 Individual Monitoring Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for monitoring activity and providing feedback
US6360615B1 (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-03-26 Technoskin, Llc Wearable effect-emitting strain gauge device
US6613001B1 (en) 2000-08-14 2003-09-02 Jeffrey B. Dworkin Intraoral appliance, monitoring device and method of treating patient
US20060041205A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Ladd Larry D Jr ISOROM portable isometric and passive range of motion device
US7416537B1 (en) * 1999-06-23 2008-08-26 Izex Technologies, Inc. Rehabilitative orthoses
US8491572B2 (en) 2004-11-15 2013-07-23 Izex Technologies, Inc. Instrumented orthopedic and other medical implants
US8678979B2 (en) 1998-09-01 2014-03-25 Izex Technologies, Inc. Remote monitoring of a patient
US8784475B2 (en) 2004-11-15 2014-07-22 Izex Technologies, Inc. Instrumented implantable stents, vascular grafts and other medical devices
US20150374574A1 (en) * 2011-03-11 2015-12-31 For You, Inc. Orthosis Machine
US20180289267A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2018-10-11 Bonutti Research, Inc. Patient monitoring apparatus and method
US11918504B1 (en) 2019-11-13 2024-03-05 Preferred Prescription, Inc. Orthotic device to prevent hyperextension

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Cited By (63)

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US4592730A (en) * 1975-07-10 1986-06-03 Lomah Electronic Targetry, Inc. Rifle training apparatus
US4457715A (en) * 1975-07-10 1984-07-03 Australasian Training Aids, Pty. Ltd. Rifle training apparatus
US4012732A (en) * 1976-03-19 1977-03-15 Herrick Kennan C Security device
US4117834A (en) * 1976-12-02 1978-10-03 Mc Partland Richard J Physiological motor activity monitoring apparatus
US4112926A (en) * 1976-12-08 1978-09-12 The Children's Memorial Hospital Method and apparatus for measuring and treating hyperactivity in human beings
US4149716A (en) * 1977-06-24 1979-04-17 Scudder James D Bionic apparatus for controlling television games
EP0022002A1 (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-01-07 Alain Barnet Apparatus for kinetic therapy, especially for reeducation treatment
US4321593A (en) * 1980-02-21 1982-03-23 Ho Chi C Television set with supervisory functions of alarming burglary and safe watching distance
US4337049A (en) * 1981-01-09 1982-06-29 Connelly Edward M Method and system for automated training of manual skills
US4605221A (en) * 1982-03-22 1986-08-12 Agosta Nino D Exercise method and apparatus
EP0103491A1 (en) * 1982-09-14 1984-03-21 Wright State University Method and apparatus for providing feedback-controlled muscle stimulation
US4480830A (en) * 1982-09-14 1984-11-06 Wright State University Method and apparatus for exercising
US4556214A (en) * 1982-09-14 1985-12-03 Wright State University Method and apparatus for exercising
US4492233A (en) * 1982-09-14 1985-01-08 Wright State University Method and apparatus for providing feedback-controlled muscle stimulation
US4491325A (en) * 1983-01-26 1985-01-01 Thomas Bersheim Game control apparatus
US4569352A (en) * 1983-05-13 1986-02-11 Wright State University Feedback control system for walking
US4603687A (en) * 1983-08-08 1986-08-05 Greenwood Eugene C Continuous passive motion orthopedic device
US4571682A (en) * 1983-08-22 1986-02-18 Computerized Sports Equipment, Inc. System and method for skill enhancement and behavior modification
US4558704A (en) * 1983-12-15 1985-12-17 Wright State University Hand control system
US4630817A (en) * 1983-12-20 1986-12-23 Gym Bee Enterprises, Inc. Recreation apparatus
US4576148A (en) * 1984-02-03 1986-03-18 Sutter Biomedical, Inc. Continuous passive motion hand device
US4538595A (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-09-03 Hajianpour Muhamad A Passive exercising device
US4586495A (en) * 1984-07-02 1986-05-06 Wright State University Therapy system for acute patient care
US4651719A (en) * 1985-01-22 1987-03-24 Danninger Medical Technology, Inc. Continuous passive motion shoulder unit
US4844055A (en) * 1985-04-18 1989-07-04 John Rawcliffe Physiotherapy apparatus
US4660829A (en) * 1985-07-08 1987-04-28 Whiteneir Paul J Body joint position monitoring system
US4674741A (en) * 1985-08-05 1987-06-23 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Rowing machine with video display
US5713370A (en) * 1985-10-30 1998-02-03 Cook; Jonathan Repetitive strain injury assessment
US5275174A (en) * 1985-10-30 1994-01-04 Cook Jonathan A Repetitive strain injury assessment
US4764111A (en) * 1985-11-21 1988-08-16 Knierim Rupert W Reminder and enforcer apparatus
GB2190303A (en) * 1986-05-15 1987-11-18 David Edwin Gillmor Computer game driven by exercise machine
US4848152A (en) * 1987-05-04 1989-07-18 Pratt Jr G Andrew Biofeedback lifting monitor
US4801921A (en) * 1987-08-24 1989-01-31 Zigenfus Robert W Abdominal muscle firmness alarm
US4842519A (en) * 1987-11-30 1989-06-27 Jeffrey Dworkin Intraoral appliance and method of treating patient
FR2642312A1 (en) * 1989-01-10 1990-08-03 Petitdant Bernard Device enabling a user undergoing rehabilitation to be informed as to his physiological state
US5484389A (en) * 1990-02-21 1996-01-16 John G. Stark Instrumented orthopedic restraining device and method of use
US5368546A (en) * 1990-02-21 1994-11-29 John G. Stark Instrumented orthopedic restraining device and method of use
US5052375A (en) * 1990-02-21 1991-10-01 John G. Stark Instrumented orthopedic restraining device and method of use
US6296595B1 (en) 1990-02-21 2001-10-02 Izex Technologies, Inc. Method of optimizing isometric exercise
EP0800149A2 (en) * 1990-03-22 1997-10-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Oh-Yoh Keisoku Kenkyusho A movement detection system
EP0800149A3 (en) * 1990-03-22 1997-11-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Oh-Yoh Keisoku Kenkyusho A movement detection system
US5209716A (en) * 1991-12-19 1993-05-11 Larry Frydman Resistive exercise device
US5591104A (en) * 1993-01-27 1997-01-07 Life Fitness Physical exercise video system
US5474088A (en) * 1993-12-09 1995-12-12 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York Device for measuring motion characteristics of a human joint
WO1999042967A1 (en) * 1995-03-02 1999-08-26 Individual Monitoring Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for monitoring activity and providing feedback
US5614887A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-03-25 Buchbinder; Dale Patient monitoring system and method thereof
US5574432A (en) * 1996-01-04 1996-11-12 Mccarthy; Steven R. Apparatus attachable to a shoe for deploying a rescue signal
US5894271A (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-04-13 Namisniak; Lee Private alert system for muscle flexing regimen
US9230057B2 (en) 1998-09-01 2016-01-05 Izex Technologies, Inc. Remote monitoring of a patient
US8678979B2 (en) 1998-09-01 2014-03-25 Izex Technologies, Inc. Remote monitoring of a patient
US8790258B2 (en) 1999-06-23 2014-07-29 Izex Technologies, Inc. Remote psychological evaluation
US7416537B1 (en) * 1999-06-23 2008-08-26 Izex Technologies, Inc. Rehabilitative orthoses
US6360615B1 (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-03-26 Technoskin, Llc Wearable effect-emitting strain gauge device
US6613001B1 (en) 2000-08-14 2003-09-02 Jeffrey B. Dworkin Intraoral appliance, monitoring device and method of treating patient
US20180289267A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2018-10-11 Bonutti Research, Inc. Patient monitoring apparatus and method
US20180289268A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2018-10-11 Bonutti Research, Inc. Monitoring apparatus and other devices
US20180310833A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2018-11-01 Bonutti Research, Inc. Monitoring apparatus and other devices
US20060041205A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Ladd Larry D Jr ISOROM portable isometric and passive range of motion device
US8784475B2 (en) 2004-11-15 2014-07-22 Izex Technologies, Inc. Instrumented implantable stents, vascular grafts and other medical devices
US8740879B2 (en) 2004-11-15 2014-06-03 Izex Technologies, Inc. Instrumented orthopedic and other medical implants
US8491572B2 (en) 2004-11-15 2013-07-23 Izex Technologies, Inc. Instrumented orthopedic and other medical implants
US20150374574A1 (en) * 2011-03-11 2015-12-31 For You, Inc. Orthosis Machine
US11918504B1 (en) 2019-11-13 2024-03-05 Preferred Prescription, Inc. Orthotic device to prevent hyperextension

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